Beware of Fire and Check that Extinguisher date

Glad your rig came through OK. You'll be forever happy that you went to a residential refrig. I replaced my 1200 in a 2008 Allegro Bus and it was the best thing I ever did. I'll never deal with another Norcold or Dometic refrigerator/freezer or any other evaporative cooling appliance. The technology is fatally flawed and I too don't know how a company that continually ignores the hazards and repeated failures that these units have seen can stay in business. Where's the nasty lawyers when you need one??

This serves as a good reminder to think about fire extinguishers. My RV and truck extinguishers are from 2008. The one in the truck had a gauge that was in the "red". I tried it, and it didn't work. Tried the one that came with the RV and it didn't work either. Don't know how long they are supposed to last.

Fire Department at an RV rally showed us all how the fire extinguishers provided in our RV's 'settle' to the bottom so when you grab them in an emergency they do NOT work. Their suggestion was to shake them routinely so that they actually work when needed.:R

If a fire should occur behind the fridge, how can a fire extinguisher be used to put it out? How would you get to it? Through the wall vent?

RoyF wrote:
This serves as a good reminder to think about fire extinguishers. My RV and truck extinguishers are from 2008. The one in the truck had a gauge that was in the "red". I tried it, and it didn't work. Tried the one that came with the RV and it didn't work either. Don't know how long they are supposed to last.

Fire extinguishers need to be checked MONTHLY. This means they need to be taken off the wall (mount), the pressure gauge checked, the safety pin and seal, the powder needs to be agitated and general condition checked. Never squeeze the trigger to see if it'll work. Even if it does, the pressure will be gone in a day or two. To agitate the powder invert the extinguisher, strike it with the heel of your hand, a rubber hammer or a piece of 2x4 while shaking it. If you're still not sure of what to do, take it to the nearest fire house. Anyone there will be happy to teach you to do it right. These things can save your rig and your life, but they need maintenance. Also check operation of the emergency exits, smoke detector and CO2 detector at the same time.

JnCMiller wrote:
With so many fires, and product failures, how can Norcold continue to do business? Also, have you ever called their service center for assistance, talk about rude.

You can say the same thing about our government. Ironically the answer is the same for both - no competition, its too hard for newcomers to break into the market. You are stuck with with what the system will provide. At least with your fridge, you have the option to replace it with a completely different type.

Not trying to start a political rant, just an observation of the limitations of the way the not so free market works.

Why don't you come up with a better mouse trap and put the 'man' down, dude?

Ammonia refrigeration technology predates the freon systems we use in our stick houses. Because the ammonia systems need a significantly small heat source to work they are more efficient, especially when electricity is a valuable commodity. Now that big coaches have vary large battery banks and really big, efficient diesel engines turning big alternators, electrical power is plentiful and household type (freon) refrigerators are practical.

The problem(s) has to do with camping off the grid with a minimum amount of electrical power. In that situation, the ammonia systems work best.

Residential refrigerators work so much better - but unfortunately lack propane and 12V. Not a huge deal for many, but it is a deal on a long trip or boondocking.

pigman1 wrote:

RoyF wrote:
This serves as a good reminder to think about fire extinguishers. My RV and truck extinguishers are from 2008. The one in the truck had a gauge that was in the "red". I tried it, and it didn't work. Tried the one that came with the RV and it didn't work either. Don't know how long they are supposed to last.

Fire extinguishers need to be checked MONTHLY. This means they need to be taken off the wall (mount), the pressure gauge checked, the safety pin and seal, the powder needs to be agitated and general condition checked. Never squeeze the trigger to see if it'll work. Even if it does, the pressure will be gone in a day or two. To agitate the powder invert the extinguisher, strike it with the heel of your hand, a rubber hammer or a piece of 2x4 while shaking it. If you're still not sure of what to do, take it to the nearest fire house. Anyone there will be happy to teach you to do it right. These things can save your rig and your life, but they need maintenance. Also check operation of the emergency exits, smoke detector and CO2 detector at the same time.

X2 on this and not only in the RV, but if you have a S&B they need to be checked also. It is always good to check them and know the proper way to use them (PASS system) before they are needed.
P - Pull Pin
A - Aim Nozzle
S - Squeeze Handle
S - Sweep

BE SAFE, JMO